PS 

13 0^ 








Class ^ ^ '5 -^ ' 

Book ^ 3 : 



Ito^- 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSn; 



Morning Musings 



AND 



Heart Songs 



By GEORGE W. ABELL 



ILLUSTRATED 



Bv WILL. L. EVERETT KNOWLES 



Copyri glued 19 09 

By geor(;k W AHKI.I. ^iml 

WII.I, I. KVKKHTT KXOWI.KS 



y^" 



preface 



To my mind one of the sweetest and most satisfying compensations of 
Authorship is the consiciousness of being able to contribute something to the 
pleasure, enjoyment and uplift of our common humanity. 

If some little poem or simple word of mine will bring sunshine in place 
of sorrow; joy, instead of sadness; or harmony out of discord, and cause the flowers 
of love and beauty to bloom in the garden of some lonely heart: 1 shall be sat- 
isfied 

GEORGE W. ABELL, 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 
1909 



(g'Ci.A25(r^65 



^ 




GEORGE W. ABELL 



CONTENTS 

Odsfrvafiotis -----. / 
Jlic Li/v' s Lesson --.... 

The Brook' s Mission - - ^ . , 

Under The Snoie - - - / 

Sunrise ---.... 5 

Inspiration • - - . . . ^y 
To a Pansy - - .7 

Scars ----.. \ 
Nature Harmonies - - - - 
'f/ie Arch of Blue - - - 

Ajtlut?t7i Leaves - - - . . j j 



V 

1(1 



1. 



The Storm ----- 

Thanksgivitiii - - - . /,> 

The Falling Leal - - . . -It 

A Mother's Reflection - - - _ /■,- 

Husking Out The Corn - - . . . y^, 

Do it To-day - - - - IT 

When the Bloom is on the C lore/ - - . . . /,s' 

Outing - - . . yy 

Back to the Dear Old Home - . . . . ja 

ILl.USTRATIONS 

Portrait of the Author. (,eorge H' Ahell 

The Brook' s .l/ission 

Sunrise 

Pansies 

Evening on a .Wrr lingland Pivei 

After the Storm on Lake Michigan 

Falling Leaves 

Husking Out Th< Corn 

Faster Li I tics 

I'he Farmer' s Daughtei 

Co-iCS in the Pasture 



OBSERVATIONS 

Jn^t the L;l:nuT of the eve 
I'l'iiiii a passer-hv, 
Vi'il yet it meant so much; 
Inst the ijras]) ni a lianri 
In a foreign land, 
^'et iiope eanic with the touch. 



lust a loviiijj word. 

Like sonq of hird. 
'I'o one howed down witli grief: 

Just a kindly deed. 

In the liuur of need. 
iSringx ipiick and sweet relief. 



invt ;i little u'st 

.May cause unrest, 
.\iid a lender heart offend ; 

lust a word of cheer 

Will dry a tear. 
When it come- from a hosoni friend 



lust a ray of light. 

Like ,1 spark at night. 
Set a humhle soul allanie: 

lust a word of trutii 

In the hrea-t of youth. 
.\nd a lite is saved from shame. 



Itist some word of o;ir-. 
Like the summer llower- 

M;i>- cheer some friend th.it'- sad 
Just :\ kindly ;icl. 
( >r a smile, in fact, 

\\ ill m;ike some lone heart gl.id. 



1 




"Ol Lilv beautiful. 1 bow in reverence at thy shrine!" 



THE LILY'S LESSON 



('. Lily i)eautifiil! 1 how in ivvt^rencc al thy shriiif. 
For thou, in thy nnfolchng life, art counterpart of mine. 
A life two-fold, in outer form so modest, yet .so fair; 
A vital soul within, that 1. readies a perfume rich and rar( 



ower. 



( ). thai I might understand thee heller, little H 

The mystery of thy life; the -ecret ,,f thy power. 

Lpou each wanderino- hrecze that kisse- thee, thou dost impart 

The frajrrance of thy pure. Mxeet self, the essence of thv heart 



That mighty force unseen, that makes thy beauty most divme. 
Is just the Kime that feeds my -o„l and clothes this life ,.f mine. 
Thy lesson— •■Lily of the rtehr'-to me indeed is true. 



C) 



. v,o:,l,l that I in heart anrl life might be as pure as vou. 



THE BROOK'S MISSION 



( )ui ilirnui;!! ilu- iiiii>> like a silver thread 

\ ])urc little stream came sjirinfiin^; 
And a\va\ it sped o'er its pebbly l)ed. 

While its own sweet sons^ 'twas sintjinsj'. 

With man\ a tnni iwixt reed and tern 

And ini<ler the alders creeping 
It lini;ered awhile with a treml)ling smile. 

Thi-n over the rock^ went leaiiing. 

'A\'h\ liasten von so. in yoiu- onward tlow?" 

S;iid a tree beside it ujrowini;. 
r.nt the brools re])lied. "I've a mission wide 

And so I must kee]) on n'oini^i." 

Then d:nicinii awaw the livedong day 

With smiles on its tiny billows. 
I'ame tnnibliiiL; along with never ;i frown 

In llu- sli;i<lc ot the clroo])ini^ willows. 

'\\ hence .and where. " askiMJ a gre\ old rock. 

"Do von go in \(iin' aimless winding'" 
r.nt the brooklet said. "There .are nnlN .ahead 

.And 1 tnrn their wheels for the grinding. ' 

Then rijjpling along with cheerfnl song 
While the w;iter of life 'twas giving: 

".My mission." it s.-iid. "is not for the <lead 
lint ever to liel]) the living." 




I hen uppling along with a cheerful song. 
While the water of life t'was giving." 



UNDER THE SNOW 

What moans this commotion. ,|(i\vii inider the miow - 
_ Is X'ature's grand army, all marshalled l)el,.\v' 
.Such wondrous activitv nowhere is found 

As now seems in progress, just under the ground- 
.Such wngghng, and twisting, and turning aixnit 

Of each little seed, and each tinv sprout 
■■]hen- campaign is on-—and thex'-re planning, I know 
lo c.ime irom their hi.ling phice, under (lie snow. ' 
.So, patiently waiting, as day follows day 

Ihe snow just above them, fast melting awav 
When thus spoke the crocus; -.W.w I must be 'first 

Aly head is so swelled, I fear ii will Inirst - 
Ihen up through the so<l. ere the snow had all gone 

t shone like a gem in the grass on the lawn.' 
\\ here-, robed m its beauty, 'tis waiting. 1 know 
^^ Its friends that are coming fn.m under the snow. 
The hyacinth ne.xt. all dressed up in blue 

l'eepe<I forth from the mold on the monml where it ^'T,^v 
Saluting the crocu.s. it laughingh' said— " 

•■! ni more than delighted to get out of bed ' 
together they visit, now. all the day Ion-- 

l-.njoying their free.lom. midst sinishine^and sono- 
And never torgettmg one moment. 1 know 

Their little companions down under the snow. 
■•<> I welcome you both I" the daffodil said 
^ While gracefully nod<!ing her pale \ellow head 
So long have I waited for one little ray 
Of sunshine, to soften the bed where' I lav 
W hat a time we will have out here in the bfee.e 

With the birds all singing their songs in the trees ' 
Weil laugh at our sisters who linger below 
^^ Still planning their toilet, down'under the' sik.w.- 
The tulip, the lily, and violet, too. 

In sweet combination of red. white, and bhie 
.\ow claim recognition for leautv an. I grace 

And s,, are accorded a j lominent place 
In .Natures i)i-oce,ssion. no-, growing ,■ 'ch dav 
Ihe snow, once .■ibundant. is melting awav ' 
And each little blossom is sweeter I i.now ' " 

I'or spending its winter down i!n,l...r the snow, 
The wiiul from the .southlaiul blows lllful and warm 

Ihe snow (hsappears in the path ,,| the storm 
W hile he. new and tender, is everywhere seen ' 
And shadows creep .softly <,Vr billows of ^n'vvu 
l-"v, hum ol the honey-bee. song of the binl 
-n garden and ap;)le tree now may be heanl 
While .lai.sies and buttercups spnng'from below 

Where long they've been hiding down under 'tin- .now 
Oh! world of creation, whose trmmph is Man 

To search o,it and fathom thy ^eerets. who 'c,-m "- 
we seek for our origin, only to find 

That we are but parts of 'the lurtnite mind 
IIk; same (,o,l that careth f„r blossom and tree 

(■ives treely his spirit, t,) y,,,, and to me ■ 
W III guard and will guide u.s. wherever we '.-o 

I', ne after were .sleeping— d.nvn under ihe'suow. 

4 



SUNRISE 



The (lawn's first lit^lil c.ti'|)1 stifth. 

CVer the conch whereon I Ia_v, 
The robin snng liis sweetest song'. 

To greet tlic new liorn dav. 



i drew aside the cnrlain, 
As the clock was striking live 

And watched the morning' glorv ; 
(".ratetui just to l)e alive. 



Tlu' I winkling -tars shone dindv, 
h'or the -hades of night had gone: 

The crescent moon now pale grew paler. 
In the last .''.pproacliing dawn. 



'i'lun thr sun's re<l disk rose slowU', 
( )'er the distant Hastcrn hill : 

And bathed in gold the vallcv 
Sleeping iicacel'r.lly and still. 



Then iIk- mist- sd light and airv 
i'"loated silently away ; 

High in tieecy ciiMids df luauty. 
I'or the coming orb of dav. 



.Morning glory, l-.arlh transligured 
Scarcely had the (lav liegnn, 

l'".re each opening bud and blossom 
Turned their faces t.i the sun. 



IJirds were llitting from ilu-ir cover-~ 
Caroling lluir choicest lavs 

.\nd swelling the mighty eliorus 
In one glad aclaim of praise. 



Heaiilei n:s sunrise! bringing jo\' 
With every bles-ed morn. 

h'ill the earth with all tliv glorv. 
Hrrald I't cadi dux itc:^' hnni ' 




WKKM 



SLNKISt 
"Beauteous sunrise bringing joy with every blessed morn' 



INSPIRATION 



Tliou (losi come M nu- in tlic silent watches of tiie night: 
And when my wakinj^' eyes behold the first ti'ray streaks of li^lit : 
Or with some ])erfume-laden breeze from far-ofif sunny bowers; 
And in the song of birds ; or chime of bells, from distant towers. 

1 hail thee with delight. Thou art indeed a welcome guest : 
For. from my inner, noliler self, thou callest forth the liest. 
Yet. oft 1 try in vain to woo thee from thy far retreat. 
Full well 1 know without thy touch, my muse is incom])lelc. 

I wait, with longing soul, some hint, thy s])irit m;iy im])art. 
To help me weave about my thoughts the language of m\' heart . 
Thou coniest to uiilift. and help, sweet messenger divine. 
1 want thee near, to guide and k'eep, this erring heart of mine. 

I i'.'iin would catch the beauty, oft revealed, in .X'ature's face, 

.\nd yet, without thine aid, her fairest lines 1 can not trace. 

I'd search earth's fields and heaven's dome, for wonders, r.are and new 

If thou but lead me in my (|uest, no limit to m\ \'iew. 

lie with me, when 1 stroll through wood. :ind \-ale, where violets lilooni 
And where the sweet arbutus cree|)s, and breathes her r;ire perfume; 
.\nfl when I watch the simimer sun sinl; low, ;it eventide; 
( )r gaze with ra])tured soul on star- lit sky — be thou m\ guidi-, 

.Antl should i search truth's wide dom;iin, if ha|)K- 1 ma\' find. 
Some gems of priceless worth, with w hicli to feecl m\- hnngr\- mind ; 
I'm sure I'll need thy guidance then, ( )! monitor of light. 
In .'dl those won<lrous re.ilnis ot thought — to hel|i me choose the right. 

I can not solve earth's mysteries, that Ik- along m\ wav, 
I'nlil 1 listen to thv voice, and recognize th\' sw;n'. 
So when u|)on my life's rough sea. the fogs m\' wav oliscure, 
I'll let thee steer my little bark, to anchor, safe :md sure. 

6 



TO A PANSY 

[.iltli.- I'aiisv. I lii\c \i)u and l"ii.)il Idvcs you tun. 

Sii t;r;ux- fully \\;i\'iiiti' mit tluTc- in tlu' (low; 
Marw-l iif licanlN ; liriLjiit little tlowor: 

[''act.- al\\:i\s ^niilinti'. in sunshine rir shower; 
Such hlendiuL; ol color; >uch delicate ^hade. 

Xo artist hath painted, nor man ever luade. 
N'oii '^]x\[ uie each niornint;, and seeuiiui^ly sa_\' : 

lust sniile and he ]>atient. lihc inc. all the day. 

Ih'ar little blossom, with mission ^o liij^h, 

Xoddinj^' a welcome to each passer h\ . 
Ihe lesson xou teach, to me, is (|uite clear. 

That /, like \c>urselt, <liall scatter j^ood cluH'r ; 
A^ 1 i^a/e in your lace, seeniini;" .aluiosi divine. 

I cannot hnt wish that your heauty were mine. 
When my day's work' is o'er, and I ])lod home at ni.;;ht. 

There villi t^reet me ai^aiii with a smile of delii;ht. 

I've tended \ou carefully da\' after day, 

Knowing;' ere lont; von winild more th.an re]>a\ ; 
'i\:iclhn|L; me wisdom and patience and i^race ; 

Rolled in vour lieanty. \'ou'(i smile in my I'.aee. 
Tile trn.lh which ^o vainh' you've laniL;"ht me to -ec-. 

!■- that while I've hel]ied \ou. you have also helped iik'. 
Xow, 1 lliink. Utile teacher, you'd have nie helieve. 

"I'i- more hle^sed (o i;ive than it is to receive. 

Choice little Ihneer, how 1 love to liehi^ld 

^'ou|• delicate traciu'i^ of ]uiri)le and L;old. 
'I'lirouiih the Ioul; ^nmmer day-, hoth at eve and at dawn, 

\nu lift \ourhrii>lit face from yonr led on the lawn. 
.\/\' heoiitifiil hlossoiii the joy of my heart. 

Mow s.adK' I'll miss you when yon must dciK'rt. 
'"I'o'i've cheered an<l vou've kdcssed lue. as none other can ; 

Pear little [\ius\: one of Cod'- yifl- to m;in. 




"Marvel of beauty; bright little flower. 

Face always smiline; in sunshine or shower!" 



SCARS 

Xdw perhaps x'on'n- niton lcm])lc<l 

lust to speak sniiu- liast\ wnnl. 
( )r perchance repeat sduie s^'ossip 

'S'oti have lately overheard. 
Little thinking when it's tittered. 

Mow a |)recion> life 'twill mar. 
( )n some heart that''- nearly broken 

li ma\' leave an ugly scar. 

Scars remain, so |ilease don't sav it ; 

Rather speak some word of cheer 
Which will dri\'e aw.ay the shadow 

Or ])erch;uice may dry a le.ar. ' 

i. 'titling words. ( ) liow they ranklc\ 

When nin' nerves ;ire all .ajar. 
Woimds thus made, .are long in healing 

.\nd they .always leave a scar. 

"X'o worse." some say. "to speak than think them 

Tlinugh with >uch I c;m't .agree. 
Cruel thoughts ;l1sI h.arm the thinker. 

lUit when uttered — \on aiid me — 
W lien we're tired, worn and wearv 

l\indl\ words .are better lar. 
.Smiles will hel]) us morr tli;m curses 

.\nd lhe\ nex'cr k-.avt- .a ^car. 

Though .a smile ma\ cost us nothing. 

"Pis a thing we higliK i)rize ; 
.Make-- the lie.avx' burden lighter. 

Helps the ('.alien ones to rise. 
.May we guard our si)eech so wisely. 

Kec]i om' li]is with lock .and bar. 
l.est we wound our friends so (!cci)ly 

Tinu' c;m ne'er elT.aci' the scar. 
8 



NATURES HARMONIES 

I w .•iihIciiiI niir il;i\ l.i tllr liilNidi-, 

And llicix- 'lu-ath my I'aM'nU- Wrv. 
Conmimu-d for awliilc witli Xatnre. 

Which is over so dear in iiio, 
I'nr i iieai'd m the wciodlaiid eelioe-- 

,\ imi-;ie ahiinst divine, 
\nd {hv ''iini^ iif the tlirnsh and the rc>l)iii. 

l^'onnd a iilacc in this heart dl mine, 

i lc>\-e llie \-ines ;ind the flowers 

And the wild hird's s\\(.-et retrain. 
The liahhlin^;' hi'imk in >ha(l\ nook, 

\nd the mnsic of iiatterinL; rain. 
< )r tlie hnsh of ^luisd's silence 

When ;ill is calm and still. 
Save the low. sweet note of the cat hird 

\nd sdiio of tiu- whip-poor-will. 

\'o voice to nie like .Witnre's voice. 

'I'o -till my throhhitii.;" hrain. 
,\'o son.L; to me like Nature's sons; 

To soothe aw.av its pain. 
So 1 lo\r to sit in the twilight, 

\\ lien the d:i\' is .alniosl done 
.\nd w.'itch its f.adins; si'lorv , 

In the L;le.im of the setliniL; snn, 

\nd 1 loiii; for .a keener vision 

To see with insii)iu r.are. 
In tree .and hird ;md hlossom. 

The lie,ant\ th.at lint^ers there. 
With .1 lo\-c for Nature's music 

.Mv (kiih pr.aver sji.all he. 
That 1 max hear uk ire plaiuh 

The son.L; that is me.ant for me. 




"The hush of sunset's silence 

when the day is almost done.' 



THE ARCH OF BLUE 

I lr\- in the L;;itlu'rinii twilislii. 

Willi a revcri'iit iieart and tiMU'. 

'I'll catch sDinc i^k'ani nf tin- In^li lii<iU. 

I'"r()ni tlio stars way n]) in tlic hlnc; 

(".11(1 hears niy cry. 

And I Ic ni>te> my si^h. 
'Xcath llis wondcrfnl arch n\ Mnc. 



i'lach new fmind liiihl is a treasure 
The instriinienl hrins^s In my view; 
And !;real are the minds that measure 
'i"he worhls in the far a\\a\ hlue. 

A \a)ice from tin- ^])heres, 

C'omes <:ift tn mv ears. 

And I'm ti inched tn tears. 
vV'lien I'm scanmnij the arch nf hhie. 



'I'h;'\ tell me .1 wnndrous ^t(M■\ ; 
And yet I'm |>er^u;ldell it^ trui-. 
That I may see in Ins t;lor\ 
'j'ileir liiiilder ii]) there in the hlue 

h'or ( "iiid in I li^ mi<ihl. 

Will lead me .irifiiU. 

And ^h(i\\ me tile liijht. 
I'd m\' hnme in the arch nt lilue. 



ill 



AUTUMN LEAVES 

Yes. sli(nvci> of k'avcs. l;'o1(1, crimson ami brown. 
'I'licir mission now cndcil, conu' llnturint; ilown; 
Wavering' atoms of beauty are tbesc. 
Uonsed from tlieir moorinL;s up tliere in tiie tree-'. 

I )reanHly ib'il'tini;, mere toys of tlie wind. 
Ilitlier and tbither. like tbongbts of ibe mind; 
Mcssengets laeb witii a sloi-y to tell 
Whispering softly a lasting farewell. 

I luri'ving. sciirrNing. eddving round. 
Seeking a reeling place bere on the gronml : 
Riotous. lai-tling. riiUicking leaves. 
( )\'er their ))as->ing ni\' s])irit now grieves. 

Leaves of the .\nt\nnn, how little they care 
Th.al trees that have boiti them, stand n.aked .and ba.re. 
With garments of sjiU-nflor, in scarlet .and gold. 
They're bourne b\ the winds to their home in the mould. 

I'rail little br.autics. we pass with a sigh 

The ])lacc where \'on rest, and the grave where von lie. 

Mow nmch we sh.'ill miss \ou. no one can tell; 

I'.riijiit leaves of \ntnmn. farewell, farewell I 



11 




I he Storm moved slowly on\vard toward the lake. 



THE STORM 

Twas an evening; in ScpU-nilit-r. 
One 1 ahvavs will remcniher • 
r-n.ni niy toilino | had sought snnu^ nee. led ,v.t 
I was tired, wiirn anrl sleepy. 
As I watched from ont niv tepee 
A storm clon.I. as it -athered in tlie west. 

I. ike some nfjhlr head, now hoary. 
It was crowned witli s.alfron gior\'. 
I'he >un had -,nnk Inlniid it fiir tlu- dav 
Thron;;h the twilijiht's soft encroachin-.' 
I hen the storm was fast approachin." 
ili'>n-h at hr.i Uvas nnles and miles'.awav. 

I)eei) reverheratini; thunder. 
Fillin-- one with awe. .-ind wonder. 
Hie valley echoed back its niioht\- n.ar. 
•Now a hush! .aluKisl .•ipp:dlin^-, 
( )'er tlic darkened waters falli'ns;. 
With just the faintest whisper Hn the ^hore. 

Then the first hig drop> th.at paltered 

< )n the dry leaves; how thev clattered ' 

An earnest of llie delni;-e Iwe ami I.ye. 

lake to p.iinie halls Ih.at rattle 

hroni a slcinnish line in l)attle. 

lU lore the il\in.L; ^in.adrons of the sky. 

Twas a lull of short duration. 

• lien w iih deepest intonation 

Came tiie thunder, pealin- l,>udu- than helore- 

.\nd the lightning's vivid llashing 

Showe.l the angrv hillows dashiu" 

Thnnigh the rugovd. rocky caverms of Uu- sh,,re. 

Midst the tempest's fearful roaring 

• Vnd the swelling torrents |)ourin'r 

\Ve may jiray to check its furv. hut in v.ain 

( >h ! the havoc it created. 

As it swept on, unabated. 

Across the .larkiMi<d vallev. to the ].lain. 

I hen, receding in the dist.ince. 
< herconiing all resistance. 

The sp.rm moved slowly ..nwar-l, low.ird the lake 
Having spent its lorce .and |)ow(t. 
It became a gentle shower. 
Little heeding the des| ruction ,n iis wake. 

I'-ut as the mists were i)assing from us 
(jmckly sprang the bow of promise, 
Ulule thunder peals were .soun<ling f.ar .awav 
1 hen no longer w;is 1 sleepy. 
And 1 crept outside mv teix-e ; 
l'"i- the nighling,-dc was singing .,'er the bav, 

li 



THANKSGIVING 

Am I lliankful '- N'cs : — for all llic lik's^ins^s oi tlu- i)assino year; 
{■"or country. lio\iic ami friends: and i'T'iTv ,i,'0<'(/ ;;/ \' heart holds dcoi . 
PVir kindness. i,()\i-: and synil^athy and ^o:eer to choose llic rii^ht: 
F(ir every as])irati()n looking" njuvard toward tlie liijlit. 

For iT'(T\' nnhle inif'nlse too. tlui; makes me /;»(• and kind: 
Ami i-rrr\' lisiou of ilie truth, that iiit-^ across the mind: 
^'es. more than ^ratetid. that it is my heart's desire 
Some //;<)/(;;/;/ or wniten :eord ni mine niav other files ins[>irc. 

I'm i^^lad and thankful loo. for I'oohs and for tlie printed jiai^e 
That hrini; to me the thou<^lUs nf nohle minds in this and every a^i'. 
Carlefnl aUo th.it in .Witnre 1 can clearly lie.ar ;ind see 
Something; of the music and the I'cautv (".od has meant lor n;e. 

So eaeh recnrrini^' morn I .ask- for lisi'lil to ^nide me through the da\- 
( )f Ilim whii onl\ kn^ws niy heart .and lu'ars nie when 1 prax' ; 
^\' — unto ///;(( who ;;/rr.\' to all His Hlessin^s ricli and rare. 
I of'fer uj) with <jrateftd heart, my htimhle, joyons pra\'er. 



THE FALLING LEAF 



At ease in my lianimDck. one Autuniii (la\' louiul iiie. 

'Xeath foliage tinted in loveliest lines. 
While Xatnrc's sweet \'oiees that whispered aronnd me 

Awakened my snul and invited the nnise. 

W hat mDvement ol ^raee tn mv senses appealing;. 

I'"r()m liranches now ekithcd in scarlet and fjold 
A bright little leaf in its beanty revealing. 

Floats ^il(.ntl\ down to its home in tlu' )nonld 

I canL;ht up llie leaf sd I'r.iil .md mi ^lender: 

Meld converse a moment, and this wa\' mv (|uest. 
How is. said I. yon .ire rnl-.ed in such splend(jr, 

^'onr labor- .all over and siding to rest? 

Thi> m_\- reward, now the leaflet made answer. 

\\\- always been faithful to dnty yon see. 
I've gathi-red the rain and the dew ;md the smishin-e 

\nd addecl mv mite to the growth of the tree. 

'S'es. — glad of ihe service thns able to render 

To give of my life it- strength to renew, 
N'i'.w happy am I. thongh fadin;;' mv splendor 

b'or 1 know to nn- mission Fve ever been trne. 

1 pi/ndered awhilr on its Irsson of dnt\" 

\n(l wondered if 1. wln'n life's jonrney wa- rnn, 

W'onld go to my rest thns clothed in beantv. 
■And conscions a( last of m\- Ird'or well done. 



M 



A MOTHER'S REFLECTION 

SIk''^ ;i sprinhlly liltlc niidm-t. just a> ciiti' a> --Ik' can he 

As slic skip.s acrciss the >ittino" room and chnihs niion tnv knee. 

Slie's as hvoly as a cricket now. ami jnst ahout as spr_\'. 

\'et. I'm sad when I remcmher that she'll leave me. live and h\e. 

She has rosy cheeks and dimples, yes. and e\es of deepest hlne. 
And snch a charminy^ little lauf;h. and heart so pin'e and true: 
llow 1 Ions;' to keep her alv.ays. hiU its no nse to try; 
The years will come and i^n. and then she'll leave me. hye and hye. 

She oft gel^ '"to misrhiel. too. anil climhs npon my chair; 
\'el she knows ^he's mamma's darling, so of conrse she doesn't care. 
Xow she's sweet and hrij^lil and cunnini:; ; -till I cannot lulp hut si^li. 
For each da\" she's ^ettins;' older and will leave me hve .'Mid Inc. 

So 1 watch her i^rovi- in heantv, everv \ear adds to her charms; 
While ni\' niot'ier lo\'e ^rows str<)nj.;i'r. as 1 told lur in nu .arms; 
Ntl. luggini>' at my heart strin<4s. there is somelhinL; makes me cry; 
l'\)r I know my ]irecious ireasnre's honnd to lea\e me. hye and Iiye. 

Can 1 stand the reparation for pi-t a little while; 

t'an I he.ar the heav\ hnrden. then, anil hear it with a suiile? 

^'cs, in L;lad ant ici]>:ition. ( >, how hard I'll tril 

I'or. jn^l l:e\ond ilu' jiiirtinL;. \\\\\ he nuetiniL; live ;md h\'e. 



15 




'For he s haulin^ m Kis pumpkins. 

And is husking out his corn." 



HUSKING OUT THE CORN 



'Ti> ( )ctnlK"r, fair ( )ctnl)tT, 

\\'itli the forests all ablaze. 
Miiiiiiiii4- (Jiu the i^drtjcous eolors 

Throug:h the soft Autumnal haze: 
And the country lad is ha])|)v now 

As mortal ever horn ; 
I'or he\ hauling in his pumpkins 

And husking out his corn. 



N es. tile lovelv days of Antnmn-lide. 

Are gliding swiftly past. 
So the former box- nmst hustle. 

h'or he knows ihey cannot last. 
W hen the weather's cold and stormy 

lie is just a hit fnrlorn. 
W hile lie's gathi'ring his pumpkins 

( )r liusking out his corn. 



\'ow his crops are (|uite .ahimd.anl 

lie I'as jdenty it appears 
I'Vir his turkeys, ])igrs ,-,nd chickens 

.\nd to fatten u|) his steers. 
IIow we love to hear him whisiJc 

( )n a crisp October morn. 
While he gathers in his |nnni)kins 

.\nd is husking out his corn. 



^ cs. he's t\-ing- up his fodder 

And is putting- it in shocks 
While the city ch.-i]) is figuring 

'i"he ])!orit on his stocks : 
Mill his .-'.peptite is splendid 

'\\luii he hears the diimer horn: 
While he's hauling in his pumpkins 

< )r is husking out his corn. 



16 



DO IT TO-DAY 



If a licaiilifn! tliou^^lit vmi cliaiu-f U\ piwsoss. 

Jnsl tell it; ye^ ; — tell it today! 
l-'or tlu' worUl nia\' he waitiiij;' t'oi- yon to express 

Some truth )'ou lia\e hidileii a\va\'. 

A vision perhaps in the slillne^^ oi nii;!!!. 

Thi^ thon.L;hl ha- made elea.r as the day: 
'Then i^ive it to lis in its garments of lit,du 

And twill hel)) to illnmine onv way. 

llave \ on io\' in vonr hosoni? then let it he known; 

l.<t smiles o'er your conntenance i>la\ ; 
h'or thousands arc \vaitin<^- to make them their own. 

So deal them their ]iorti<in today. 

\'on're a -int^er mayhe ! Will > on sini; n- a -oni;? 

^'es. sinsj' it. I '. sing it, today I 
.\o morrow |)erchanee may eome to the tlifoni; 

.\nd \iinr voice ma}- he stilled with the day, 

l)oth music \<>nr soid with its harmony lill ? 

(.'an \-onr fmi^ers most skillfnlly |)lay - 
Don'l wait for the morrow onr .-enses to thrill. 

I'.nl i;"ive lis \ oiu' hest for today. 

If a mi-sive of love \on'd write to a Iriend, 

( ). do not netileet it, I ]ir;iy ! 
Shonld \<iii w.ail till the morn it may iie\er he penned. 

Then vou'd w i-hed xon lia<l written todav. 



I'.acli thought we express or each >oiil; that we sin^ 

l.et 11- do in onr kimllii-st way; 
If il comes from the heart, what !o\ it will hrini;, 

l.et'- do it ; \e-. do it. today. 

17 




There is health out m the country. 
Where the wheat and iiarley grow. 



WHEN THE BLOOM IS ON THE CLOVER 



\in\ a drive is just delightful 

In the couutry lying near. 
( )r a stroll across the meadow. 

Where the t)r(jok is running clear ; 
There the hoholink is singing, 

And-the lark is soaring high : 
When the hlooni is on the clover, 

And the heard is on the r\e. 



Th.re are thistles in the pasture 

''\'liere the summer breeze^ pla.^'- 
And a thous;uul fragrant beauties 

Cireet us all along the way. 
There are buttercups and daisies. 

Quite enough to please the eye. 
When the bloom is on the clover, 

And the beard is on the rve. 



( ih. the undulating prairie. 

With its fields of waving grain, 
lias for me a fascination 

Like the l.nllows of the maiti. 
There the shadows chase each other. 

While the clouds are sailing by : 
When the bloom is on the clover. 

And the heard is on the rve. 



There are many, many voices 

In the latter days of June, 
Helping swell the mighty chorus. 

When all nature is in tune. 
Just to he.ar the rea]ier's clicking 

Has a charm for such as I ; 
When the bloom is on tht- clover. 

.\nd the beard is on the rve. 



There is liealth out in the country. 

Where the wheat and barley grow. 
Where the golden sunshine lingers 

.\nd the gentle breezes blow ; 
There beauty greets the senses 

I'.oth in field and air and sky. 
When the Ijloom is on the clover, 

.\nd the beard is on the rve. ■ 



\\>. .imong the purple blossoms, 

('.aily nodding here and there: 
( )h. how much you would enjoy them. 

Can you find a day to spare. 
It is time to take your outing. 

Let me tell you on the sly. 
When the bloom is on the clover. 

,\nd the 1)eard is on the rve. 



18 



ni'TINC, 



"l"i> >uinnR'r, ami (.■;n'li liruczi.- thai lilnw^. 

From yonder wood is bringing, 
A fragrance sweeter than the ro>e. 

From where the llow'crs arc springing, 
'I'hev hid me come. My phms are made. 

'!'he eity cannot hoUl me. 
Tlie forest hires me tn it- sliaiie. 

When- nature m.iv enfold me. 



It'> restful here; iht-rc seem- no -irife. 

Save nature's charming rustle. 
.More fiuiet this than city hfe. 

Where men do naught but hustle : 
Mere in your hammock, you may lie. 

( )r on the lake go sailing, 
( )r whip siiuii' stream with rod anil lly. 

In (|ue-t of trout or graling. 



I climb the hills with eager feet. 

.And through the v;iles 1 wander. 
Or in some cozy lone retreat, 

I read, and think, and ))onder. 
Mere thrive the lily, fern and rush. 

Mere, beast ;ind bird together. 
The chipmonk scampers through the bru-h. 

The hare bmnids o'er the iieather ; 



()! business man with nervous ajar, 

.Villi brain all worn and \vear\. 
These v,-oodland echoes, near and far. 

Will make you bright and ciiecry. 
So close your oftice, lock the door, 

\iul cease vonr endles> worry. 
Come, learn of nature evermore. 

For nature 'U<v< not hurrv. 



The paitridgv thrums Iieneath the birch, 

r.cfore th-.- rain :md thunder, 
'i'lic s(|uirrel from his lofty perch. 

Looks down with fear and wonder. 
The thrush sings sweet at close of day. 

From neath the sliadow s resting. 
The oriole iiours forth his la\ 

Wliile in tin- elm tree nesting. 



Relax your ner\es, e<jme lake a rest. 

Restore \i>ur poor digestion. 
To one with business cares oppressed. 

Good nature's out of the i(uesti<in. 
Koam through the woods, go where you will, 

I'cru.sc some charming story, 
( tr view at eve, from loftv hill. 

The -nn-et's fading glor\'. 



The robm- -ong, 1 love t(-> hear; 

It soothe.- me when I'm weary. 
Though one far sweeter greets my ear 

The wood-note of the veery. 
So. in my tent beside the stream 

That llow- beneath the willow. 
I lie .and nni-e .and fondl\ dre.am. 

The mo--c^ ior ni\' pillow 



He )u-l \-our-elf. \-our nobler sell. 

With sk\ and star- above you, 
l-'ree from care, and greed or pell. 

With nature's Cod to love you. 
Sleep, eat and bathe at morn or noon. 

Then in the sunshine basking. 
Abounding health, life's priceless boon, 

I- vour- for in-t the asking. 



I'l 







"Each well worn path in the pasture field.' 



BACK TO THE DEAR OLD HOMF 



I'm .m'iiig back In die dear old farm. 

Where I spent my boyhood days ; 
'I'o tlic rollinf;^ fields of waving grain 

\\ here the breeze and sunshine l)lays, 
Nes, back to the old \'e\v Englaml honie. 

Til the cottage neath the trees; 
\n(l little rc<l school house on the hill 

Where 1 learned ni\ A. P.. (.'.'- 

\ siiiibnrneil iircliin with freckled face. 

With m\ feel all brown and bare. 
I climbed llir hills of the dear old jilace 

I'ree a.- the birds of the air. 
ICach well worn path, though the pasture tield 

I'm sure I'll ne'er forget: 
The noisy ring of the old fOic bell. 

In my dreams T hear it yet. 

Garden and orchard, with loaded trees. 

And spring just under the hill : 
And old gourd dipper hung by a string, 

1 fancy it hangs there .still ; 
The vine-covered porch I loved so well 

Where father so oft was found, 
Reading aloud from the good old book. 

With his children playing round. 

The cane-seat rocker with wide -jjread arm^ 

Held grandn^other's aged form. 
Working away on stocking and mitt^ 

She was knitting to keep us warm: 
The tire place, too. and red brick hearth 

With its andirons shining bright. 
And tea kettle singing on the crane. 

In the wood tire's Hickering light. 

\\ itli iiur "-111)])!!" ii'er and leSMin> learned 

And familx ])rayer^ all >aid. 
\ land good night and a candle light. 

We --campered ii])stair- to bed 
Thofe >cenes are past titty ye.U'- and niure. 

\et linger in mem'ry still ; 
I'm going back to the old Imnu nest. 

To the cottage on the hill. 

(TKli poem wilt soon be publiihrd with nrveraj tult pane illustration*) 

Hu Knou'le.i 



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